Mine

Popular Mechanics by Raymond Carver symbolizes modern American family life. The father and mother enter into a divorce and fight. They cannot agree upon most things and end up with a custody battle. They are figuratively tearing the child apart, trying to win his affection to one side. The child suffers and becomes torn apart, not knowing what to do. The parents are selfish and are harming the one thing they both dearly care about: "In this manner, the issue was decided" (Carver). Their selfishness creates only more pain. Furthermore, the title indicates the commonality of this situation. The fighting, divorces and custody battles are very common or "popular" and have become the normal procedures or "mechanics". Many children are being torn apart because of their parents' selfishness.